NAMSAI, 13 Oct: Arunachal University of Studies (AUS) here and ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote academic cooperation, agricultural research, innovation, faculty development, and student engagement in the field of agriculture and allied sciences.
The collaboration aims to facilitate student exchange programmes, faculty development initiatives, joint research projects, knowledge sharing, and capacity-building activities in areas of mutual interest. Under the agreement, eligible students of AUS will receive opportunities for academic exposure, internships, laboratory and field-based training, participation in research projects, and visits to ICAR-IARI's experimental farms and research facilities.
The partnership will also encourage joint research and publications in strategic areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, precision farming, green agricultural technologies, artificial intelligence in agriculture, hydroponics and controlled-environment farming, horticulture, crop sciences, soil and water management, agricultural biotechnology, organic farming, natural farming, and region-specific agricultural innovations for the Northeast.
The MoU also provides a framework for the exchange of scientific expertise, academic resources, laboratory facilities, and technical information, while promoting collaborative research and extension activities that benefit farming communities across Northeast India.
"This MoU reflects our commitment to strengthening agricultural education, research, and innovation in the North-East. By partnering with ICAR-IARI Assam, our students and faculty will gain access to advanced research facilities, expert mentorship, and collaborative opportunities that will contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural development and rural empowerment in the region," AUS vice-chancellor prof. Ajeya Jha said.
Dr. Amjad Khansaheb Balange, Head (APF) & campus in-charge, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Assam said that this partnership will help foster innovation, strengthen academic and research linkages, and support the development of climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural solutions for the North-East region.
